All about: the REN Ultimate Radiance Facial at East Day Spa

REN skincare launch back in 2000, but I only became aware of it after it’s arrival at Mecca Cosmetica several years ago. I instantly fell in love with both its feel and its philosophy, which follows many of the same lines as my absolute favourite brands.

Created by Rob Calcraft and Antony Buck, Ren was developed after Buck’s pregnant wife found her skin reacting to her usual products. Enter, Calcraft, and the pair set out to create a range that would be effective and advanced, but also free from chemical ‘nasties’, making it one of the few active skincare ranges safe for use during pregnancy.

Meaning ‘clean’ in Swedish, the range utlises the latest in hi-tech bio-actives, is free from skin-unfriendly synthetic ingredients and is gorgeously pleasurable to use, leaving skin that is healthy, radiant and just plain happy!

As was I when I was invited to try a REN Ultimate Radiance Facial at East Day Spa, one of my inner city ‘happy places’ and home to an amazing team of therapists. An advanced anti-ageing facial designed to visibly perfect skin tone and leave skin looking energised, radiant and luminous, it’s suitable for all skin types but is a real wonder for dull, sallow, hyper-pigmented skin… which is a lot of us come the winter months.

It utilises products like the brand’s famous, Moroccan Rose Body Oil and No1 Purity Cleansing Balm, along with a choice of cleanser depending on skin type and the beautiful Omega 3 Night Repair Serum. The aim is to boost the skin’s natural processes of protection, repair and renewal through the use of a Synergy Massage System - REN facials are pretty much skin ‘workouts’ that address both physical and musculo-skeletal facial tissues by toning and lifting underlying muscles and releasing tension to reduce the appearance of facial expression wrinkles. Together, they work in perfect synergy and the whole experience is as relaxing as it is restorative.

The products are applied using this REN Synergy Massage System, which takes its inspiration from various influences – zen shiatsu, Japanese massage, naturopathy and an in-depth knowledge of skin physiology and biochemistry. The System combines five different phases, which are completed in a specific sequence and all join forces to heighten the performance of REN Clean Bio Active products.

As well as shoulder strokes to improve blood flow and initiate relaxation you’ll experience subtle, yet deep muscle manipulation techniques to release over-contracted muscle tissue, allowing fresh blood to circulate and enter the surface of the skin. There is also a ‘lifting’ phase of the massage that is based on tsubo point pressure to increase circulation, tune up the client’s energy and give the face a lift. The technique’s purpose is to stimulate the body’s electromagnetic energy and to remove blockages by diffusing lactic acid and carbon monoxide that accumulates in muscle tissue - pretty impressive stuff!

Last up, the Ultimate Radiance phase uses lymphatic drainage to clear blockages and help remove metabolic wastes and toxins through the lymph nodes situated around the face and neck. The waste that is filtered through the lymph nodes is then eliminated from the body. This results in the improved appearance of the skin by reducing puffiness, rejuvenating collagen fibres and slowing the ageing process.

This facial really was 75 minutes of pure bliss, and it was great to leave feeling like I’d had a holiday as well as sporting the kind of glow that usually lingers after one! To find out more or book in for one your self, visit here.